Dennis M Duggan

Dennis M Duggan of Wakefield passed away peacefully in his sleep on June 20, beloved husband, brother, father, grandfather and friend whose warmth and humor touched all who knew him.

Born in Banteer, County Cork, Ireland, Dennis grew up one of six children in a large Irish household before coming to America in 1963. He visited often and over the course of his life, he returned many times, visiting beloved family and friends. He met his wife Marie at the Irish dances in Roxbury and they later married in 1968. They raised three children together in Malden, MA and later moved to Wakefield.

Dennis built a distinguished career with Volkswagen where he worked for more than 40 years. He took great pride in his work and was known for the genuine care he extended to customers and colleagues alike.

Dennis was also a devoted father to his three children. He had endless love for them. He always made his children and their families feel supported and loved. To Dennis, once you were part of the family, you were family — unconditionally and without question. Dennis was extremely proud of his seven grandchildren. “Bumpa” was aware of what was happening in all of their lives and was present in them as well. He made himself available for everyone, never missed a chance to attend a hockey or baseball game, attend a concert, drive to an appointment, help with the car on the side of the road or be there after school. He loved being with them and they loved being with him.

Dennis also had an extensive family of friends. Whether they were colleagues from Volkswagen, neighbors and familiar faces from Malden, or the constellation of friends who gathered around him in his favorite Irish pubs and local establishments, they all became his chosen family.

Dennis was predeceased by his beloved wife Marie, to whom he was married for 48 years. He has been missing her terribly since she passed away 10 years ago from Alzheimer’s. Those who knew Dennis knew that Marie never left his heart. She was always on his mind. He spoke of her often and had their wedding photo as his screensaver on his phone. The family takes comfort in knowing they are together again.

His Funeral Mass will be celebrated in Lazarus Center for Healing Shrine/St. Florence Church, 47 Butler Ave., Wakefield on Saturday, June 27 at 10AM. Visitation for relatives and friends will be held at the McDonald Funeral Home, 19 Yale Ave., Wakefield on Friday June 26 from 4-7PM. Interment, Lakeside Cemetery, Wakefield.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Northeast Animal Shelter, 347 Highland Avenue, Salem MA - mscpa.org